Special SWAT Tool Saves the Day in Multiple Counties

GAINESVILLE -Just like in chess many people call it a rook, but yesterday swat teams representing alachua and marion counties called it checkmate.

The device aided in the successful arrests of two individuals without any reported injuries.

Multiple SWAT and K9 units responded to a northeast Gainesville address yesterday morning after reports that 17 year old Kashawn Jefferson had barricaded himself inside his home.

Deputies initially showed up to Jefferson's house to serve an arrest warrant.

After more than 2 hours of negotiation the rook was called in and Jefferson surrendered.

He is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and resisting arrest.

Alachua County Sheriff's office, LT. Steve Maynard says, "the rook's gonna win every time, it's an awesome awesome tool, it has already saved lives here locally, we believe that it will continue to save lives in the future. The irony of it is, is that tool was completely one hundred percent provided by you drug dealer."

Funding for the rook came from forfeiture funds or money coming from evidence seized in drug busts.

Soon after Jefferson's arrests Marion County SWAT called the rook down to Ft. Mccoy to assist in another standoff.

It's the first time Maynard can remember it being deployed twice in one day.